Preparing Cannabis Tinctures

In the late nineteenth century, cannabis tinctures were widely prescribed for analgesic, sedative, and narcotic purposes: “It was used as the primary pain reliever until the invention of aspirin”[i]. Sativex is a sublingual cannabis tincture spray produced in England by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. It’s now available by prescription in Canada for MS, neuropathic pain, and as an adjunctive treatment for cancer patients. A nearly identical product produced by the VICS (Vancouver Island Compassion Society) called “Cannamist” has been available to their members for over ten years. The simple procedure of soaking cannabis in alcohol is no secret.

In simple terms, a non-polar solvent (ex. butane, water, olive oil) is what is widely used to extract oils in the food and health industry. Alcohol is a polar solvent meaning it will extract some of the carbon-based molecules and other ionic compounds from the plant, resulting in a wider spectrum of extractives from the material (including chlorophyll, cellulose, and waxes). It is preferable to separate the trichome heads from the plant bulk first to eliminate the number of non-medicinal compounds and sometimes the potentially harmful contaminants, that will be infused into the alcohol.

A standard ratio for dried plant tinctures is 1 gram for every 5 milliliters of alcohol. Higher percentage alcohol will extract more compounds, creating a stronger tincture. This along with the length of time the solution is left to macerate, in a cool dark place, will vary the potency of the tincture. 4-6 weeks is recommended but 2 weeks may suffice in an emergency. Shake the jar once a day. When your satisfied with the potency, any plant material can be filtered out and the solution stirred before being pouring into bottles for administration.

Due to many the conditions or medications for which alcohol is contra-indicated, the V-CBC (where I learned to prepare cannabis), avoid using alcohol altogether. Instead they are using a similar process over a longer time-period, with Glycerin, that is a sweet tasting substitute.

A spray or drop of tincture under the tongue will absorb quickly into the bloodstream through the mucosal membrane of the mouth. Although some will probably be swallowed, most will avoid the gastro-intestinal tract where the medicinal compounds are broken down by the liver. Administered using a dropper, one can monitor very closely their adequate dose.

In American states where dispensaries are licensed, Cannabis Based Medicinal Extracts (CBMEs) are screened for safety by certified third party inspectors like Steephill Lab, in Mendocino County. These private laboratories have assisted dispensaries in raising the standard of medicinal cannabis products. CBDscience LLC has developed three distinct cannabis tinctures: one “High CBD and low THC (4:1 ratio),” one “THC and CBD (1:1 ratio),” and one “high THC and low CBD (20:1 ratio).”

Tinctures are one of the many extracted cannabis products that were made available as a result of the Supreme Court of Canada ruling earlier this year.

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I have been writing for the Cannabis Digest since 2009, covering topics related to medical cannabis with a focus on alternative cannabis therapies. My articles are closely related to the constitutional challenge i helped to launch in response to charges i received while making edible and topical cannabis medicines for members of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club. I cover the details of our successful challenge while comparing and contrasting with medical cannabis movement around the world.
I also create graphic art http://s413.beta.photobucket.com/user/rainbowensmyth/profile/
and write short stories sacredstorytelling.bandcamp.com
As well as DJ www.mixcloud.com/Rizeohm/the-drugwar-assault-mix
and produce electronic music rizeohm.bandcamp.com/